How to Disinfect Football Gear

No football player wants to be sidelined, especially if the reason he was sidelined was easily preventable. Unfortunately, athletes who play high-contact sports such as wrestling, rugby and football are at high risk of staph infection, which can cause styes and sores such as impetigo. This is why it is imperative to not only clean but disinfect a player's pads and gear regularly, for both his safety and for the safety of his teammates and opponents. Luckily, it's easy.

Things You'll Need

Washing basin

Detergent

Disinfectant spray

Towels (cloth, paper or disinfectant wipes)

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Fill up your basin. Use warm water with laundry detergent.

Gather the football gear for disinfection. Some gear doesn't need specific disinfecting, but do disinfect hip, thigh, and knee pads; shoulder pads; helmets; and cleats.

Ready the gear. Gear shouldn't be covered in mud, so use the basin beforehand to wash off any mud or dirt that is on the gear.

Using the disinfectant spray, spray the pad or helmet you wish to clean and then scrub all of the surfaces of the item.